Free introduction to string instruments — Institute for Strings, Harford and Broad streets in Milford, Pa., 3 p.m. April 13. Try yourself on violin, cello or piano. No cost or obligation. Open to new prospective students of any age and level. 570-296-7429. fistrings@excite.com.

Lecture: "Presidential Courage." — Northampton Community College Main Campus, Arthur L. Scott Spartan Center, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, Pa. 7:30 p.m. April 18. Northampton Community College presents Michael Beschloss, award-winning historian and best-selling author of nine books, who will speak about the American presidency and his book "Presidential Courage." Admission is free, but tickets are required and may be reserved by going to www.northampton.edu/NEH or calling 610-861-5519.

Seminar: "Veterans and Medical Benefits" — Belle Reve Senior Living, 404 E. Harford St., Milford, Pa., 1 p.m. April 19. Bankers Life & Casualty Co. and Penn Veterans will present information about veterans and medical benefits, and a variety of insurance programs that can assist with short-term and long-term care. Light refreshments served. This event is free and open to seniors; however, seating is limited. RSVP by April 17 at 570-409-9191.

Drug Awareness Seminar — Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department, Log Tavern Road, Milford, Pa., 10 a.m.-noon April 20. Free seminar is designed to educate parents about what is going on in their neighborhood and school district regarding drugs, alcohol and peer pressure. Presenters will include Pike County Sheriff Phil Bueki, Delaware Valley Police Officer Martin Gaughan and George Sacchi from Aliton's Pharmacy. Light refreshments will be served. Please do not bring children because of content of this program. 845-856-1266.

Sharing and Caring support group — Bon Secours Hospital, first-floor conference room, Port Jervis, N.Y., 6:30 p.m. April 23. If someone you love has been diagnosed with a psychiatric illness, you are not alone. Friends and Advocates for Mental Health holds confidential family support groups, free of charge, for families and friends of people diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. Call in advance: 845-794-1029.

Port Jervis Seniors Club — Farnum House, 21 Ulster Place, Port Jervis, N.Y., 1:30 p.m. April 24. Meets second and fourth Wed. New members welcome. Members must be residents of Port Jervis or the Town of Deerpark and age 60 or older. Call club President Judy Gray at 845-856-8827.

Milford Valley Quilter's Guild — Meets in Delaware Valley Middle School cafeteria, 258 Routes 6 and 209, Milford, Pa. 7 p.m. April 24. Second and fourth Wed. of each month. Fourth Wed. is show and tell, program or lecture. New members and guests welcome. For more information, email milfordvalleyquilters@gmail.com.

Port Jervis annual Citywide Yard Sale — Port Jervis, N.Y., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 4, rain or shine. Homes, businesses, churches, charitable organizations throughout the city are participating, plus one central location for residents with no yard. Sign-up fee for residences, churches/synagogues, and charitable organizations is $15; for businesses, $30. Deadline is April 19. Buyers' maps will be available on website about one week prior. Sign-up forms are available at www.PortJervisTourism.com, or call mayor's office at 845-858-4017 or email pjtourismboard@gmail.com.

Taking Our Shot at Inspiring Hope 5K Run/Walk — Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA in Dingmans Ferry, Pa. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. Kid activities provided while adults run. Age 12 and under will have their own Fun Run after the main race. Preregister online for $18, $15 for students, by May 1 at www.active.com or register on race day for $25. For more information, contact Chris or Leslie Lordi at 570-955-6294 or takingourshot5k@gmail.com.

Meet the Candidates Night — Port Jervis High School cafeteria, 10 Route 209, Port Jervis, N.Y., 7 p.m. May 6. Three of nine Port Jervis School Board seats are up for election May 21. PTAs from four Port Jervis schools host annual event so voters can meet candidates and ask questions. For information or to submit questions to candidates, email to ptacandidatesnight@pjschools.org.

Blood drive in honor of Robert Richie — Knights of Columbus Hall, 63 Seward Ave., Port Jervis, N.Y., 1-6 p.m. May 8. All blood types are needed. Any healthy person age 17-75 and weighing at least 110 pounds, and who has not give blood in the past eight weeks, can donate blood. Donors should eat a moderate meal before donating, and bring driver's license or two other forms of ID. To schedule an appointment, call Joe Rowan at 570-296-4499.

Tea Time — St. Mary's Parish Hall, Port Jervis, N.Y., 12:30-2:30 p.m. May 11. Sponsored by Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Madonna No. 114. An afternoon of tea and conversation in Court Madonna's Garden. $10 for women, $5 for girls. RSVP to 845-856-2624 by May 5.

Mothers and More monthly meeting — Failte Pub and Restaurant, 1492 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, Pa., 7:30-9:30 May 14. Discussion topic: Members share memories that shaped their ideas about money, and how they feel about their financial present and future. Prospective members and friends welcome. For more information, email m_mpikecounty@yahoo.com or go to mothersandmoreofpikecounty.com.